Nairobi’s ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5, which will link the Central Business District (CBD) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), is in its final stages of approval by the National Treasury, ending months of uncertainty.
Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed the update following a courtesy visit by Republic of Korea Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik, during which they discussed several development initiatives, including the BRT project supported by the Korean government.
“Korea is to construct Line 5 of the BRT, linking the City Centre to JKIA. The project is in the final stage of approval by the National Treasury,” Sakaja said.
The BRT system is designed to deliver faster, safer, and more reliable transport compared to conventional buses. By combining dedicated lanes with features typically found in metro systems, it aims to cut congestion while improving commuter safety.
In 2024, the government secured KSh 7.6 billion from the Korean Export-Import Bank under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund to kickstart the project. BRT Line 5 will cover a 10.5-kilometre corridor from the Eastern Bypass to the Thika Superhighway, with high-capacity buses running on dedicated lanes.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) had already issued tenders, with construction initially set to begin in January 2025.
The partnership with Korea dates back to 1964, when the country opened its first mission in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi. Strengthening these ties, Korea plans to establish a permanent mission in Lavington.
Sakaja reaffirmed Nairobi’s commitment to collaborating with Korea to deliver projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve city-wide transport efficiency.
